Safety

DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Side Effects and Warnings

There are no reports currently available describing the adverse effects of myrcia. Dizziness, drowsiness, flatulence (gas), abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea are possible adverse effects.

Myrcia has been used historically for hypertension (high blood pressure). Theoretically, it may cause hypotension (low blood pressure) in some patients. Use myrcia cautiously in patients taking blood pressure medications and in patients with low blood pressure.

Myrcia may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Patients may experience hypothyroidism with myrcia. Use myrcia cautiously in patients taking medications for hyperthyroidism. Based on its similar activity to some anti-thyroid medications, myrcia may cause agranulocytosis (an acute blood disorder), chills, fever, and loss of taste.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Myrcia may interact with amiodarone causing either an increase or decrease in hypothyroid effects. Caution is advised.

Myrcia may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Myrcia may alter the activity of other blood pressure lowering agents. Caution is advised.

Myrcia may increase the effects of medications used for hyperthyroidism leading to hypothyroidism. Because of potential effects on thyroid hormones, patients who begin taking myrcia may require dosage adjustments on their existing medications due to changes in metabolism.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Myrcia may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

Myrcia may alter the activity of other blood pressure lowering agents. Caution is advised.

Myrcia may increase the effects of herbs and supplements used for hyperthyroidism leading to hypothyroidism. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Elizabeth Poole, PharmD (Drug Information Center, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).